Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 116, March 2019 | Page 28

OUT OF
THE By BOX
Norrie Williamson
LONG DEBATE ON LONG RUNS
The weekly long run is a staple part of all distance runners’ training, and one that many look forward to, not only for
the endurance benefit, but also for the social interaction and the ‘confidence’ of proving that they are able to cover a
considerable distance. However, there is a big debate going on in South African running circles about formally organised
mass long runs.
F
or many runners, the long
run is about a small cluster
of friends or clubmates
getting together and running
for around 90 minutes to three
hours, at a slow enough pace to
allow conversation and banter. It
is about covering the distance,
time on the legs, and low
intensity that develops the fat-
metabolising systems. In recent
years, however, prompted by
security (particularly for women),
sociality and the convenience of
support along the route, long run
groups have been formed in each
of the major city centres.
Many of these big group runs have a fixture list with scheduled dates, venues
and distances, and anyone can go along and join for three to five hours. Most
charge a nominal fee that covers the cost of the drinks and support along the way,
sometimes with a small surplus left for either the people organising the event, or
their chosen charity. Furthermore, some are organised by ‘personalities’ in the
sport, such as multiple Comrades medallists, who use their names in advertising
the long runs.
The numbers in these groups have been growing, with some now attracting 200
to 300 runners each week, while the special ones, such as the Comrades ‘Route
Tester’ in KZN, will attract around 600 runners. Understandably, where a runner
is simply looking for a long run
or time on the feet, it becomes
important to consider safety, and
who would not want the social
aspects of a group run? Also,
given the option of a R100 entry
fee for the local 21km race, or
a R20 donation to cover Coke
and water stops on a three-hour
long run, it is not only the Scots
with short arms and long pockets
who will naturally opt for the
mass long run. However, this can
reduces the size of the field of a
local race on the same day, and
can make that race unviable.
It is this negative impact of the
mass long runs that prompted the recent provincial notice issued by Athletics
Gauteng North highlighting the rules that restrict members from holding or
participating in long runs that conflict with sanctioned fixtures. This circular goes
on to point out that licensed runners who support such ‘alternative’ events can be
‘disciplined’ by the province to various extents.
It is important to note that this particular notice dealt primarily with large, organised
long runs hosted by clubs, individuals or third-party organisations. In essence the
message was:
•
Do not support a ‘long run’ event held on the same day as a race in the
province.
•
Rather support a local race, and its hosting club and sponsors – even if you
are only using the event as a long, slow training run.
There are very good reasons why such a request (or rule) should be supported, not
simply in that province, but in every province in South Africa. The overview reason is
simple: If we don’t, then our sport will become more expensive and unsustainable.
There are around 1400 races in the country each year, and each requires sponsorship
to make them work, but races are no longer the value to sponsors that they were
years ago, as technology has created many new, cheaper ways to reach and interact
with potential clients. This is a threat to the viability of races.
As a guide, the cost of putting on a club level 10km/21km race is around R200,000
to R250,000, and these events will often attract only 1500-2000 runners. Without a
sponsor, this would mean each runner paying around R150. That’s around 50% to
80% more than currently being charged by such small events – and runners should
not expect large prize money or great handouts.
The primary reasons for clubs hosting events are to (a) give back to the sport,
and (b) create an income that will assist or give special features to the presenting
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ISSUE 116 MARCH 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
Rising Costs